ELSA Leadership Camp fosters camaraderie among Mindanaon youth
12/8/2009 | Ayala Foundation
The second cycle of ELSA Youth Civic Engagement Program (ELSA-YCEP) kicks off with three leadership camps gathering 156 youths from selected municipalities of ARMM and Region 12.
ELSA Young Leaders Camp (EYLC) is the springboard activity of ELSA -Youth Civic Engagement Program (ELSA-YCEP). The camp is a fun-filled, activity-driven program that aims to develop the leadership potential of the youth in Mindanao. Geared toward instilling leadership, the camp consists of leadership forums, self - discovery activities, sharing of insights, and fun outdoor activities. "The importance of this camp is to provide these young leaders experiential activities about servant leadership that will prepare them in carrying out their own projects for their respective communities. We're now on the second cycle of the program, doubling our pool of youth leaders in order to reach out to more communities in Mindanao," said JR Demecais, Youth Leadership Development Associate.
The first camp was held last October 27-30, 2009 at Isla Parilla, Alabel, Sarangani, with 78 selected participants from barangays of Sarangani, Cotabato City, Sultan Kudarat, North and South Cotabato. The 2nd EYLC was held in Zamboanga City last November 4-7, 2009, with 38 youths from Basilan. The 3rd EYLC was held the following week, from November 12 to 15, with 40 campers from Tawi-Tawi.
Camp participants discovered who they are, what they can do, and the role they play in building stronger relationships with their respective communities to become contributing citizens.
"In this camp, I gained not only new friendships but I acquired additional knowledge in knowing my potentials and learned skills in becoming an effective leader. I want to share this to my fellow youth in my community," said Glass, a camper from Basilan.
"Campers find themselves pushing their minds and bodies to get out of their comfort zones," said Yani Alonto, facilitator. Aside from activities for the campers, their mentors composed of teachers, principals, barangay officials and parents attended an orientation session about their important roles in guiding these leaders in their quest to serving their respective communities.
"We tapped community stakeholders as mentors because they will be working hand in hand in many post-camp activities that will impact significant educational issues," Demecais added.
Developed by Ayala Foundation under the EQuALLS2 project funded by United States Agency International Development (USAID), ELSA-YCEP also targets to provide Mindanaon youth training and various interim and post-training activities that will inspire them to become vision-driven leaders and responsible citizens serving their communities and the country.
Visit http://www.ayalafoundation.org for more information.
